Old Navy Credit Cards: a Good Fit for Frugal Shoppers?

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Old Navy has sold affordable clothes for the masses since it launched in 1994. Today the Gap-owned company has over 1,000 locations and is renowned for its ads featuring celebrities prancing around in its casual tees and denim. In 1997, Old Navy earned $1 billion in annual sales, so it’s little wonder the chain offers customers its very own store-branded credit cards, issued by Synchrony Bank. Whether one of these cards are right for you, however, will depend on how often you shop there. Let’s break down the Old Navy credit cards.

How to Pick an Old Navy Credit Card

When considering a new credit card, it’s a good idea to do some research and compare terms. It’s also wise to check your credit score to make sure you actually qualify. (You can view two of your credit scores for free on Credit.com.) Next, think about your financial situation and how your spend. A secured credit card, which requires you to put up a cash deposit that serves as your credit line, may be best for those with bad credit. If your credit is decent, a rewards card may be the better bet. If you’re not much of an everyday shopper but like to travel, there are plenty of travel credit cards to choose from. If you don’t travel often and want to earn rewards, a cash back credit card may be the best bet.

Store credit cards are best-suited to loyal customers. They also could be a good fit for someone trying to build credit since store credit cards tend to have less stringent credit requirements. Be mindful when using your card so you don’t lose your rewards to high interest or end up in debt. These types of cards often carry high annual percentage rates (APRs), so you’ll want to pay your balance off in full, if you can swing it.

Now that you know what type of cards you can choose from, here’s our review of the Old Navy rewards credit cards. (Note: For full details, please see the cardmember agreement.)

Our Review of the Old Navy Credit Cards

Old Navy Visa Card

Card Highlights: Members can earn 20% extra reward points every quarter and receive free basic alterations on Banana Republic purchases, plus free shipping on any online order from Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta using the code NAVYIST.

Rewards Details: Cardmembers will earn five points per dollar spent at Old Navy and its affiliate brands (Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta), They will earn one point for every dollar they spend. You get a $5 reward for every 500 points.

Annual Fee: None

APR: Variable 25.99%

Old Navy Store Card

Card Highlights: Cardmembers get the same extra bennies as above: 20% bonus rewards each quarter, free Banana Republic alterations, and free online shipping from Old Navy and Gap brands.

Rewards Details: Cardmembers earn five points per dollar spent at Old Navy and its affiliates at the same return, but since this is a standard store card and not a Visa, it can’t be used outside of those brands. That means no extra point per dollar.

Annual Fee: None

APR: Variable 25.99%

With a high APR and 3% foreign transaction fees, the cards are not ideal for someone who carries a high balance or travels abroad. The cards are also not ideal for anyone who has difficulty making payments on time, as it assesses a steep $37 penalty for every missed bill. Keep in mind, too, you can only redeem rewards at Gap-owned stores. There’s no limit to the amount of rewards you can earn, but they will expire 24 months after your last purchase.

If you’re loyal to Old Navy and other stores in the Gap portfolio, the cards may provide a reasonable value (though the Old Navy Visa Card, which can be used anywhere represents the better deal). After all, you’ll receive free alterations at Banana Republic, which could easily save you hundreds of dollars, and if you upgrade to Navyist status, you can earn free shipping when shopping online — a big incentive for some loyal shoppers. Your card will be good at all Gap-owned stores too, so you won’t have to worry about only being able to use it at Old Navy.

That being said, if you want a more flexible card for shopping, you can consider a general purpose rewards credit card, like the Chase Freedom Unlimited (see full review here, which offer 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with $0 annual fee and a 16.24% - 24.99% Variable APR, after a 0% for 15 months on purchases introductory APR expires.

At publishing time, the Chase Freedom Unlimited is offered through Credit.com product pages, and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply and ultimately sign up for this card. However, this relationship does not result in any preferential editorial treatment.

Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.

Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.

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Certain credit cards and other financial products mentioned in this and other articles on Credit.com News & Advice may also be offered through Credit.com product pages, and Credit.com will be compensated if our users apply for and ultimately sign up for any of these cards or products. However, this relationship does not result in any preferential editorial treatment.